Laser target practice system, method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

Laser target practice using an ultra-violet light emitting laser that is pulsed on when a weapon trigger is pulled. The UV laser light pulse illuminates a spot on a target having a coating of phosphorescent material on a face thereof. The phosphorescent material within the illuminated spot glows for a certain time thereby visually indicating a location of the spot on the target. The UV laser light pulse may also illuminate a spot on a target having a photochromic paint coatings on a face thereof. The photochromic paint coatings within the illuminated spot changes color thereby indicating a location of the spot on the target.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to commonly owned Pub. No.: US 2013/0122471 A1; Ser. No. 13/295,946; filed Nov. 14, 2011, entitled “Laser Target Practice System, Method and Apparatus,” by Randy Yach and Paul Katz, and is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to target practice with a rifle, shotgun or handgun, e.g., pistol or revolver, and more particularly, to target practice using an ultra-violet (UV) laser apparatus in combination with the rifle, shotgun or handgun, and a phosphorescent material and/or photochromic paint coated target.

BACKGROUND

Proficiency with a weapon, e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol or revolver, requires practice. Learning how to properly aim and accurately shoot the weapon at a target is a major component of obtaining proficiency with the weapon. Budgetary and time constraints, however, limit how often one can go to a shooting range and shoot live ammunition. To compensate for a lack of live ammunition training at the shooting range, electronic target training that simulates the impact of a bullet on a target with laser light is often used. Laser light target practice training saves time, money and live ammunition, while providing for maintaining shooting accuracy and proficiency, e.g., unsighted fire, accuracy, grouping and trigger control. Laser light target shooting provides for more frequent target practice, thereby enabling a more confident shooter who can enjoy the benefit of low-cost target training at any location without restriction or concern for gun fire noise bothering neighbors or worrying about the safety of where a fired live round may penetrate.

Existing laser light target practice devices use a visible red or green wavelength laser that is activated by a firing pin of the weapon striking a pressure or displacement switch, or a sound activated switch that turns on the laser from the sound of a hammer striking the firing pin. Either way, based upon the aim of the individual, a brief pulse of laser light paints a target with a visible spot of light where a live round would have hit the target. One company has even introduced a laser trainer target that records (saves locations) electronically when a laser light beam hits the target each time the trigger is pulled by detecting the laser light point with a plurality of photo detectors arranged in a matrix on the target. Then after the laser target practice session is finished, the electronic target can display all of the laser light hits on a light emitting diode (LED) matrix on the target.

The laser generates a pulse of light each time the trigger is pulled, but when using a paper target the visible laser light pulse on the paper target is of very short duration and is easily missed in combat or police training simulations. The electronic target is better at displaying all laser light hits, but does not show these hits in real time, rather the shooter must wait until the target practice round is over before activating the electronic target LED display that then shows the laser light hits stored in a memory of the electronic target.

Referring to FIG. 1, depicted are drawings of various prior art fire training lasers. FIG. 1( a) depicts a fire training laser that fits into a front portion of a barrel of a gun and is activated by either sound or acceleration of the hammer dropping when the gun is fired. FIG. 1( b) depicts a fire training laser that fits into the chamber (rear portion of the barrel) of a gun and is activated by the firing pin hitting the back of the laser mechanism. FIG. 1( c) depicts a fire training laser that fits into a front portion of a barrel of a gun and is configurable for a plurality different calibers with adaptor bushings (not shown). It is activated by the sound or acceleration of the hammer dropping when the gun is fired.

Referring to FIG. 2, depicted is a drawing of a prior art training laser being used with a standard paper target. The laser hit may be seen for only the pulse on time of the laser, e.g., about a 100 milliseconds. A gun 202 is aimed at a standard paper target 208. When a trigger 204 thereof is pulled a hammer (not shown) drops on a firing pin (not shown), thereby activating the training laser device (inside of the barrel of the gun) that produces a visible red or green laser light pulse 206 which briefly appears at a spot 210 on a face of the target 208. The standard paper target 208 does not allow the shooter to see groups of multiple shots. It also does not allow the shooter to easily see jerking and common problems with firing the gun. Since the laser pulse 206 is only present for a fraction of a second, it is difficult to see when the spot 210 appears on the face of the target 208.

Referring to FIG. 3, depicted is a drawing of a prior art training laser being used with an electronic recording target. Each laser hit is detected and then recorded in an electronic memory that may be accessed after the practice round has finished. A gun 202 is aimed at the electronic recording target 312. When a trigger 204 thereof is pulled a hammer (not shown) drops on a firing pin (not shown), thereby activating the training laser device (inside of the barrel of the gun) that produces a visible red or green laser light pulse 206 which briefly appears at a spot 310 on a face of the target 312. A photo (light) detector(s) at the location of the spot 310 detects and then records in a memory (not shown) the laser light hits (spots 310) for subsequent display after the practice shooting round. The laser light detection portion 314 of the target 312 also has a plurality of LEDs which are used to display the laser light hits based upon the spots 310 stored in the memory (not shown). The electronic recording target 312 is expensive. The target 312 shows only one hit location per shot so it will not show jerking, e.g., improper trigger pull. Present electronic recording targets 312 do not show a hit location immediately. The shooter must activate the hit record stored in the memory after all shots have been taken to obtain a visual display of the results of the shooting session. This delays feedback to the shooter and takes longer for corrective action to be taken. The target 312 generally runs on batteries that must be replaced periodically.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is desired to provide laser training target practice at low cost, instant feedback after each shot by having a longer persistence indication of where each shot landed on the face of the target, indication of jerking when pulling the trigger, and inexpensive and reusable targets that don't require a power source, e.g., batteries.

According to an embodiment, a system for weapon target practice using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a target having a coating of phosphorescent material on a face thereof may comprise: a weapon; an UV training laser adapted to fit into a barrel of the weapon, wherein the UV training laser emits an ultra-violet light pulse when the weapon trigger is pulled causing a hammer to thereby drop; and a target comprising a substrate and a coating of phosphorescent material on a face thereof, wherein the ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the face of the substrate and the phosphorescent material within the spot will visibly glow for a time period longer than the ultra-violet light pulse, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target substrate.

According to a further embodiment, a plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials may be coated on the face of the target at different locations thereof, wherein the coated plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials may represent different distances from a center of the target. According to a further embodiment, a plurality of concentric rings of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials may be coated on the face of the target, wherein the coated plurality of concentric rings of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials may represent different distances from a center of the target. According to a further embodiment, a pattern may be printed on the phosphorescent material coating. According to a further embodiment, the printed pattern may be a bull's eye with concentric rings therearound.

According to a further embodiment, the time persistence of the UV laser light illuminated spot on the phosphorescent material may be from about two seconds to about one minute. According to a further embodiment, the UV laser light may be at a wavelength of from about 100 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. According to a further embodiment, the UV laser light may be at a wavelength of from about 360 nanometers to about 480 nanometers. According to a further embodiment, the UV laser light may be at a wavelength of about 405 nanometers.

According to a further embodiment, the UV training laser may be actuated by a sound of the dropped hammer. According to a further embodiment, the UV training laser may be actuated by a mechanical force from a firing pin moved by the dropped hammer. According to a further embodiment, the substrate may be paper.

According to a further embodiment, the weapon may be selected from the group consisting of a rifle and a shotgun. According to a further embodiment, the weapon may be selected from the group consisting of a pistol and a revolver.

According to another embodiment, a system for weapon target practice using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a photochromic paint coated target may comprise: a weapon; an UV training laser adapted to fit into a barrel of the weapon, wherein the UV training laser emits an ultra-violet light pulse when the weapon trigger is pulled causing a hammer to thereby drop; and a target comprising a substrate and a photochromic paint coating on a face thereof, wherein the ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the face of the target and the photochromic paint within the spot changes color, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target.

According to a further embodiment, the color change within the spot may be permanent. According to a further embodiment, the color change within the spot may be temporary. According to a further embodiment, a plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints may be coated on the face of the target, wherein the coated plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints may represent different distances from a center of the target. According to a further embodiment, a plurality of concentric rings of different color pigment photochromic paints may be coated on the face of the target, wherein the plurality of concentric rings of different color pigment photochromic paint coatings may represent different distances from a center of the target. According to a further embodiment, a pattern may be printed on the photochromic paint coating.

According to yet another embodiment, a method for target practice with a weapon using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a target having a coating of phosphorescent on a face thereof may comprise the steps of: providing a weapon; providing a target comprising a substrate and a phosphorescent material coating on a face thereof; pulsing on a UV light emitting laser when the weapon trigger is pulled; illuminating a spot on the face of the target with a UV light pulse from the UV laser; and indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target when the phosphorescent material within the spot visibly glows for a time period longer than the ultra-violet light pulse.

According to still another embodiment, a method for target practice with a weapon using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a photochromic paint coated target may comprise the steps of: providing a weapon; providing a target comprising a substrate and a photochromic paint coated on a face thereof; pulsing on a UV light emitting laser when the weapon trigger is pulled; illuminating a spot on the face of the target with a UV light pulse from the UV laser; and indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target when the photochromic paint within the spot changes color.

According to another embodiment, an ultra-violet (UV) light training laser target may comprise: a substrate; a light emitting phosphorescent material coated on a face of the substrate; and a printed target pattern on the phosphorescent material coating, wherein when an ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the phosphorescent material coating the spot will visibly glow for a time period longer than the ultra-violet light pulse, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the phosphorescent material coating.

According to a further embodiment, a plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials may be coated on the face of the substrate at different locations thereof, wherein the coated plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials may represent different distances from a center of the printed pattern.

According to still another embodiment, an ultra-violet (UV) light training laser target may comprise: a substrate; a photochromic paint coated on a face of the substrate; and a printed pattern on the photochromic paint coating, wherein when an ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the photochromic paint the spot changes color, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target substrate.

According to a further embodiment, a plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints may be coated on the face of the substrate at different locations thereof, wherein the coated plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints may represent different distances from a center of the printed pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1( a)-FIGS. 1( c) illustrates drawings of various prior art fire training lasers;

FIG. 2 illustrates a drawing of a prior art training laser being used with a standard paper target;

FIG. 3 illustrates a drawing of a prior art training laser being used with an electronic recording target;

FIG. 4 illustrates a drawing of an ultra violet (UV) light training laser being used with a phosphorescent material and/or photochromic paint coated target, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates multiple UV laser hits on the target of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the construction of the target of FIG. 4, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the construction of a multiple color phosphorescent material and/or photochromic paint coated target, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific example embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed herein, but on the contrary, this disclosure is to cover all modifications and equivalents as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Phosphorescence is a specific type of photoluminescence related to fluorescence. Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The slower time scales of the re-emission are associated with “forbidden” energy state transitions in quantum mechanics. As these transitions occur very slowly in certain materials, absorbed radiation may be re-emitted at a lower intensity for up to several hours after the original excitation. Commonly seen examples of phosphorescent materials are the glow-in-the-dark toys, paint, and clock dials that glow for some time after being charged with a bright light such as in any normal reading or room light. Typically the glowing then slowly fades out within minutes (or up to a few hours) in a dark room. The phosphorescent material when excited by light energy of the appropriate wavelength, e.g., ultra violet (UV), near ultra violet, blue light, etc., will glow for an extended period of time after the light energy excitation ceases. When only a small area of the phosphorescent material is illuminated by a sharply defined coherent light source, e.g., laser light, only that small area will glow and the surrounding areas will not.

Referring now to the drawings, the details of specific example embodiments are schematically illustrated. Like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers, and similar elements will be represented by like numbers with a different lower case letter suffix.

Referring to FIG. 4, depicted is a drawing of an ultra violet (UV) light training laser being used with a phosphorescent material and/or photochromic paint coated target, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure. Unlike the prior art training laser of FIG. 2, the laser hit may be seen for the duration of the persistence of a phosphorescent material coating on the target or permanently (or semi-permanently) if photochromic paint is used with or in place of the phosphorescent material coating. A gun 202 is aimed at the phosphorescent material and/or photochromic paint coated target 408. When a trigger 204 thereof is pulled a hammer (not shown) drops on a firing pin (not shown), thereby activating the training laser device (inside of the barrel of the gun) that produces a UV laser light pulse 406 which excites the phosphorescent material coating at a spot 410 on a face of the target 408. Once the spot 410 of the phosphorescent material coating has been excited by the UV laser it will phosphoresce and remain so for the persistence of the phosphorescent material, e.g., from a few seconds to a minute or so.

There are various phosphorescent material types having different persistence and/or colors that are easy to see and remain visible for a sufficient time to observe the accuracy of the shot(s) and allow instant shot placement feedback to the shooter. If photochromic paint is used in place of or in addition to the phosphorescent material coating, a permanent or semi-permanent record of the laser shot placement may be achieved. Pulse width of the UV laser may be adjusted for a desired phosphoresce (excitation) of the spot 410. An advantage of the present invention is that a minimum pulse width of the UV laser may be used, only long enough to excite the phosphorescent material, which will conserve battery life of the fire training laser. It is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that any of the fire training lasers shown in FIG. 1 may be used with a UV light laser in place of the prior art red or green light laser. Other and further shapes and configurations of fire training lasers using a UV light laser would be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art of firearm training and having the benefit of this disclosure.

Photochromic paints and coatings contain dyes that change conformation when the film is exposed to UV light, and so they change color. Depending on the composition of the color changing paint, these pigments are either irreversible or they will eventually return to their original color. Dye and chemical formulas used in photochromic paints begin in a clear state, and adopt other pigments because of molecular changes that occur when the compound is exposed to heat or ultraviolet (UV) light/radiation. Manufacturers can make these paints reversible or irreversible.

Referring to FIG. 5, depicted are multiple UV laser hits on the target of FIG. 4. Multiple shot hits 510 are shown and remain visible for enough time to give the shooter real time shot placement feedback. If the pulse width of the UV laser is set long enough, jerking of the gun, e.g., trigger pull, will show as an illuminated line 512. The angle and length of the line 512 will give the shooter instant feedback as to what he or she is doing wrong when shooting the gun.

If the phosphorescent material coated target 408 (or photochromic paint coated target) is used in direct sunlight, the UV light component from the sunlight may cause the phosphorescent material coating to slightly phosphoresce. Normally the UV laser light illumination of a spot on the target is of a much greater intensity then any background UV light. However, if background UV light is a problem a simple shade or “awning” may be used above and to the sides of the target such that an “ambient light shadow” is cast over the target. Since the face of the target is what is being aimed at, the shade or awning over and around the target face will not interfere with the target practice, and may also help the shooter to easily see the glowing phosphorescent material spots (representing shot hits) on the face of the target in bright ambient light conditions, e.g., sunlight or over lighted indoor shooting range.

Referring to FIG. 6, depicted is an exploded isometric view of the construction of the target of FIG. 4, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure. Standard paper or reflective paper 624 is used to reflect any UV laser light that gets through the phosphorescent material coating 622 and reflect it back to increase energy transfer to the phosphorescent material. The reflective surface of the paper 624 may range in reflectivity from a mirror-like surface to high gloss photo paper. Non-reflective paper may be used as well with reduced effectiveness. A phosphorescent material coating 622 applied to paper or a reflective surface 624. The phosphorescent material coating 622 may be any color of available phosphorescent material. This coating 622 can be applied as a paint using spray or brush techniques, or screen printed. Other methods of application may also be used. A target pattern 620 is printed directly on a phosphorescent material coating 622. The target pattern 620 may be printed thereon with a standard laser or ink jet printer, silk screen process, or any other method of printing images on a surface.

Referring to FIG. 7, depicted is an exploded isometric view of the construction of a multiple color phosphorescent material and/or photochromic paint coated target, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure. FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an improved phosphorescent material coated target where multiple colors of phosphorescent material are used at the same time. Multiple colors of the phosphorescent material coatings 722, e.g., 722 a, 722 b and 722 c, may be used, for example but are not limited to, concentric rings around the center of the target that enhances comparison of shot placement referenced to the target center, e.g., bull's eye. Different dye color photochromic paint may also be used to coat the paper 624 in a similar pattern for a more permanent record of the training session.

Other embodiments may comprise using phosphorescent material coatings in single or multiple colors on silhouettes, figures, and 3D targets. UV based lasers include wavelengths from about 100 nanometers (nm) to about 400 nm. Near UV or “blue light” lasers include wavelengths from about 360 nm to about 480 nm. Use of both UV and near UV light lasers is contemplated herein and any term herein referring to “UV” also includes “near UV.” A near UV 405 nm laser works well and is readily available at a reasonable cost. The shorter the wavelength of the UV laser used to excite the phosphorescent material coating, the brighter will the phosphorescent material glow. Also, using a shorter wavelength will make the UV laser beam harder to see and only the shot location will be visible, e.g., glowing phosphorescent material.

While embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted, described, and are defined by reference to example embodiments of the disclosure, such references do not imply a limitation on the disclosure, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of this disclosure are examples only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for weapon target practice using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a target having a coating of phosphorescent material on a face thereof, said system comprising: a weapon; an UV training laser adapted to fit into a barrel of the weapon, wherein the UV training laser emits an ultra-violet light pulse when the weapon trigger is pulled causing a hammer to thereby drop; and a target comprising a substrate and a coating of phosphorescent material on a face thereof, wherein the ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the face of the substrate and the phosphorescent material within the spot will visibly glow for a time period longer than the ultra-violet light pulse, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target substrate.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials coated on the face of the target at different locations thereof, wherein the coated plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials represent different distances from a center of the target.
 3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of concentric rings of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials coated on the face of the target, wherein the coated plurality of concentric rings of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials represent different distances from a center of the target.
 4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a printed pattern on the phosphorescent material coating.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the printed pattern is a bull's eye with concentric rings therearound.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the time persistence of the UV laser light illuminated spot on the phosphorescent material is from about two seconds to about one minute.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the UV laser light is at a wavelength of from about 100 nanometers to about 400 nanometers.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the UV laser light is at a wavelength of from about 360 nanometers to about 480 nanometers.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the UV laser light is at a wavelength of about 405 nanometers.
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the UV training laser is actuated by a sound of the dropped hammer.
 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the UV training laser is actuated by a mechanical force from a firing pin moved by the dropped hammer.
 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is paper.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the weapon is selected from the group consisting of a rifle and a shotgun.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the weapon is selected from the group consisting of a pistol and a revolver.
 15. A system for weapon target practice using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a photochromic paint coated target, said system comprising: a weapon; an UV training laser adapted to fit into a barrel of the weapon, wherein the UV training laser emits an ultra-violet light pulse when the weapon trigger is pulled causing a hammer to thereby drop; and a target comprising a substrate and a photochromic paint coating on a face thereof, wherein the ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the face of the target and the photochromic paint within the spot changes color, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target.
 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the color change within the spot is permanent.
 17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the color change within the spot is temporary.
 18. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints coated on the face of the target, wherein the coated plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints represent different distances from a center of the target.
 19. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of concentric rings of different color pigment photochromic paints coated on the face of the target, wherein the plurality of concentric rings of different color pigment photochromic paint coatings represent different distances from a center of the target.
 20. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a printed pattern on the photochromic paint coating.
 21. A method for target practice with a weapon using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a target having a coating of phosphorescent on a face thereof, said method comprising the steps of: providing a weapon; providing a target comprising a substrate and a phosphorescent material coating on a face thereof; pulsing on a UV light emitting laser when the weapon trigger is pulled; illuminating a spot on the face of the target with a UV light pulse from the UV laser; and indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target when the phosphorescent material within the spot visibly glows for a time period longer than the ultra-violet light pulse.
 22. A method for target practice with a weapon using an ultra-violet (UV) light fire training laser and a photochromic paint coated target, said method comprising the steps of: providing a weapon; providing a target comprising a substrate and a photochromic paint coated on a face thereof; pulsing on a UV light emitting laser when the weapon trigger is pulled; illuminating a spot on the face of the target with a UV light pulse from the UV laser; and indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target when the photochromic paint within the spot changes color.
 23. An ultra-violet (UV) light training laser target, comprising: a substrate; a light emitting phosphorescent material coated on a face of the substrate; and a printed target pattern on the phosphorescent material coating, wherein when an ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the phosphorescent material coating the spot will visibly glow for a time period longer than the ultra-violet light pulse, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the phosphorescent material coating.
 24. The UV light training laser target according to claim 23, further comprising a plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials coated on the face of the substrate at different locations thereof, wherein the coated plurality of different colored light emitting phosphorescent materials represent different distances from a center of the printed pattern.
 25. An ultra-violet (UV) light training laser target, comprising: a substrate; a photochromic paint coated on a face of the substrate; and a printed pattern on the photochromic paint coating, wherein when an ultra-violet light pulse illuminates a spot on the photochromic paint the spot changes color, thereby indicating a location of the spot on the face of the target substrate.
 26. The UV light training laser target according to claim 25, further comprising a plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints coated on the face of the substrate at different locations thereof, wherein the coated plurality of different color pigment photochromic paints represent different distances from a center of the printed pattern. 